


LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Shelf ...Gl. 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Manual 



for 



Physical Measurements 



in connection with the 



Association Gymnasium Records. 




LUTHER GULICK, M. D. 



No. 23. 



PUBLISHED BY 

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE 

of Young Men's Christian Associations, 

40 East Twenty-third Street, New York City. 

1892. 



7^ 



Qrdi 



COPYRIGHTED 1892, 
BY 

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE 

OF YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS. 

(1-0-0194-9-92.) 



Manual for Physical Measurements 



In order that the anthropometric statistics taken by 
the Young Men's Christian Associations might be of 
greater value than formerly, it was thought wise that 
some definite and uniform system be prepared. 

Accordingly, during the winter of 1887-'88, an outline 
was prepared and presented for criticism to Prof. Edward 
Hitchcock, M. D., of Amherst College ; Prof. J. W. Seaver, 
M. R, of Yale ; Wm. Blaikie ; Prof. D. A. Sargent, M. D., 
of Harvard ; Prof. W. W. Banney, of Williams College ; 
J. Gardner Smith, M. D., of the Young Men's Institute, 
New York City; W. S. Sheldon, of the Cleveland 
Y. M. C. A., and other's. 

These gentlemen discussed every item in detail, sug- 
gesting alterations and additions that would render the 
form more valuable. After this preparatory criticism, 
a meeting was held in May, 1888, for a final revision. 
There were present Prof. Edward Hitchcock, M. D. ; 
Wm. Blaikie; Prof. J. W. Seaver, M. D.; Prof. W. W, 
Kanney; J. Gardner Smith, M. D.; T. M. Bull, M. D., 
of New York City; B. B. McBurney, General Secretary of 
the New York City Association ; B. C. Morse, General 
Secretary of the International Committee ; Bev. D. A, 
Beed, O. C. Morse, J. T. Bowne, B. J. Boberts, and Luther 
Gulick, of the Association Training School at Springfield, 
Mass. 

At this meeting the blank was further revised and re- 
commended for adoption by the Associations. 



The blank, as finally prepared, was presented to the 
International Conference of General Secretaries at its 
meeting in Grand Rapids, Mich., in June of the same 
year. After an animated discussion, it was unanimously 
recommended for adoption. 

In the winter of 189Q-'91, after two years use, a new 
edition was needed. Some that had used the blanks 
desired more details, while others felt that a simpler 
examination would be advantageous Accordingly two 
blanks have been prepared, one decidedly shorter and 
the other much more full than the former one. The 
large form has in it all that was in the former blank, and 
considerable more. The small form, which is given on 
page 8 of this book, contains no new measurements, and 
seme of minor importance have been omitted. 

The large blank was not prepared with the idea that it 
should be used in all its details for all individuals, but 
rather that, when special care had to be taken in any 
case, there would be opportunity for such measurements 
as were desired. There is a growing feeling on the 
part of many, which is apparently warranted by the facts, 
that there has been, in some cases, too much time spent 
upon mechanical details. 

It is the judgment of the Committee that the small 
blank is better adapted for general use, and the large 
one for unusual cases that need a more detailed record. 
It is not intended that a thorough examination should be 
dispensed with, but that the mechanical part of if should 
consume less time, and that the more vital part of the 
personal examination should be more thorough than ever. 
The movement which emphasizes the necessity of testing 
what a man can do, appears to be in the right direction. 
The capacity of a muscle for work is more fundamental 
than its size or shape, and determines its form more than 



its form determines its capacity. The menus for testing 

in these directions are, however, still limited. It is be- 
lieved that there will be growth in this direction, and 
that the present form of anthropometric blanks is not 
the final one. 

It will be noticed that some paragraphs throughout 
tlie book are in small and some in large type. Those in 
large type apply to botli systems, while those in small 
type apply only to the full system. 

It is the conviction of those that have given the closest 
study to anthropometry, that uniformity is fundamental to 
good work, or, in other words, that it is essential that men 
be measured alike. To illustrate, let us suppose three 
physical directors measuring a man's chest. One gets a 
measurement of 40 inches, another of 38, and a third of 36 
inches. It would be easy to account for these differences. 
Perhaps one man took the measurement with the tape pass- 
ing around the upper part of the axilla, after a vigorous 
inhalation ; another took the measurement just below the 
scapuhe and over the pectoral muscle, after an inhalation ; 
while a third took it below the pectoral muscle, with the 
chest as nearly as possible at the normal. It is important 
not merely that the measurements be taken in the same 
places, but that they be taken according^ to directions. 
One director, for instance, has taken the depth of the 
chest with calipers having straight arms. This gives on 
the average a depth greater than if the measurement 
had been taken with the ordinary bent arm calipers, 
according to directions, and would show that these men 
had deeper chests than those of other gymnasiums, which 
would be incorrect, as the apparent increase was made 
simply by faulty measurements. It is evident that statis- 
tics taken in this way will be worthless, as far as compa- 
rison is concerned. 

It will be noticed that the tape recommended hrs on it 



a spring that will give a uniform tension. This is im- 
portant, in order that the tape may always be pulled with 
approximately the same force ; for, in the larger mea- 
surements, as of the w r aist, a difference of one or two 
inches is readily made by a difference in the tension. It 
would be out of place here to go into a discussion as to 
the value of accurate measurements. It is hoped that 
this may be treated somewhat at length in a later volume, 
also the subject of charting, and the application to physi- 
cal education of the knowledge given by anthropometry. 

The page of records is divided into two parts : one 
entitled History and the other Examination. The history 
is to be filled out first, and refers entirely to the past. 
In the first part will be noticed four columns for four 
examinations. The first column will be filled up at the first 
examination. The examinations should follow one another 
about six months apart, or, when feasible, every three 
months. 

In deciding the selection of measurements and history 
certain principles have been borne in mind. First, those 
that show what the man is ; that give a knowledge of his 
present physique, so that on consulting the records later 
it will be possible to mark out with a fair degree of 
accuracy the conformation of his body. Second, those 
that show ichat he can do, which assist us in judging of 
the individual's qualifications for any special line of work 
or exercise. Thus adaptation for any given sport, such 
as rowing or jumping, might be indicated to a man when 
he is not at all acquainted with that fact. Third, those 
that show to hat he may become, which are of the great- 
est value in determining his latent possibilities. 

The statement of these principles is necessary to those 
that believe that the only object of measurement is to 
give us a knowledge of the parts that can be affected by 
exercise. A common supposition is that the muscles 



chiefly are affected by exercise, and consequently that the 
msasuremants know a as muscular are the only ones that 
are of any great value. This belief, however, is based 
upon a misconception, for the bones are sometimes more 
readily affected by exercise than are the muscles. Bone 
girths and lengths can often be materially increased, 
particularly during the growing period of life, by judi- 
cious exercise and other auxiliary means. The nervous 
system is often affected more vitally by physical exercise 
than the muscular. 

Opportunity is afforded for recording some measure- 
ments that will not ordinarily be needed. Thus the 
measurement of the length of the right shoulder to elbow 
and of the right elbow to knuckle will often give a suf- 
ficient knowledge regarding the arms without measuring 
the left, and it will also usually be unnecessary to take 
the measurement of more than one leg. In the case, 
however, of a suspected difference in the length of the 
legs, careful comparative measurements should be taken. 



{Small Form.] 

ASSOCIATION GYMNASIUM KECOEDS. NO. 





EXAMINATION 






HlSTOKY. 


Date. 


189 . 


lfc-9 . 


189 . 


189 . 


Name. 




MO 


DA 


HR 


mo Ida 


HR. 


MO 


DA.IllK 


mo. Ida. 

1 j 


HE 




TICKET : 
"Weight 










Date of Bit th : 


Height 










Married : 


GJETHS: 

Neck 














Chest contracted.. 




Exercise : 


Chest expanded... 












Waist 












H. For< aim 










Special Histoiy, 
Accidents, etc.: 


K. Up-arm down. . 










R. Up-ai m up 

L Foiearm 












L. Up arm down .. 












L. Up-arm up 










Occupation : 


K. Thigh 










R. Calf 








H M 
H M 
G M 
G M 
L M 
L M 


s 
s 
p 
p 

s 
s 


Health: (Paj-t) 


L. Thigh 

L. Calf 




H M S 
H M S 
G M P 
G M P 
L M S 
L M S 


H 
H 
G 
G 
L 
L 


M S 
M IS 
M P 
M P 
M S 
M S 




MUSCLES : 

Consistency, Arm. 
Consistency, Leg. 
Development, Arm 
Development, Leg. 
•Size, Arm 


H 
H 

g 

G 
L 

L 


M S 

M S 
M P 
M P 

M <S 
M S 


Health : 

(Present) 


Size, Leg 

Dip 




Pull up 






' 


















1 



Pvemarks: 



Prescription : 



(The above is published by the International Committee, and is sold as No. 24,, 
It is reduced in size, and spaced differently from the original, that it may occupy 
this page. The other form is too large to be conveniently inserted in this book.) 



Anthropometric Apparatus. 



In order to make the statistics more interesting to mem- 
bers of the gymnasium, it has been thought best that 
they be taken on the English rather than the French 
system. 



The Height Measure 



€ 



No 1. 




JL 



^t 



(see cut Xo. 1) should be 
a stick six and one-half 
feet long, independent of , r 
other apparatus and di- v 
vided into inches and 
tenths, not feet and inches. 

The Scales (see cut No. 2) should re- 
cord pounds and tenths. Those with three 
beams placed aboye instead of underneath 

the beam 
s u p p o r t 
are most 
desira b 1 e. 
Weights 
that slide 
on the 
beams and 
that can- 
not be re- 
in o y e d 
from them 
are much 

more conyenient than 
loose weights. 

The Measurement 
Tape (see cut No. 3) is 
graduated to inches and tenths, with a spring at the zero 



10 



end having a mark on it that will indicate a tension of 
six ounces. 




]S T o. 3. 

This is an important matter, as without uniform ten- 
sion it is impossible to tell whether the measurements 
taken by different individuals correspond to each other. 
Thus, if I pull on the tape with a pressure of 10 ounces 
and some one else with 5 ounces, the measurements do 
not correspond. Some consider this a useless precau- 
tion, as a person after a few week's practice gets to draw- 
ing the tape uniformly. But this may be doubted, and 
even if true it does not at all affect the question whether 

two persons in different parts of 
the country, who have never seen 
each other, draw the tape with 
uniform tension. 

Steel tapes are, of course, the 
most accurate, but they are hard 
to read and uncomfortable to the 
skin. The waterproof tapes that 
are generally used answer the 
purpose very well. 

A Flat Box 13 inches in height 
is required in taking the height 
sitting, length of trunk, etc. It is 
important that the box be neither 
more or less than this height, for 
a variation will give considerable 
difference in both length of trunk 
and sitting height. This is owing 
to the altered angle of the femur 
with the surface of the box. 




11 



Two Pairs of Calipers are desirable, one of steel, with beni 
arms, and the other of wood with straight arms. It is well to 
have a knob or flat surface on each point of the bent arm 
calipers so that they shall not so readily press into the skin.. 

A Wet Spirometer (see cut No. 4) should he used, having 
large apertures both through the tube and the mouth piece, so 
that it will be impossible for the individual to bring any con- 
siderable pressure to bear in the lungs. 

Dry spirometers are decidedly unsatisfactory unless tested 
every few days, as they vary in their recording. 

A Back and Leg Dyxamometee. (See cuts Nos. 43 and 44.) 
It is important that all this apparatus, particularly the dynam- 
ometer, be used only under the direction of the physical 
director, as serious inconvenience and even injury have re- 
sulted from misuse. 

The Geip Dynamo- 
meter (see cut No. 5) 
should be graduated in 
pounds. The oval dy- 
namometer is unsatis- 
factory, as pressure at 
the centre counts for 
more than pressure 
anywhere else. The 
two sides should ap- 
proximate uniformly. 

A Pair of Sta- 
tioxary Wall Par- 
allels (see cuts 
Nos. 45-48), adjustable in height to allow of both clipping 
and pulling up, will be needed. A pair of rings sus- 
pended from the ceiling and a horizontal bar may be 
used instead of wall parallels. The adjustable parallels 
are, however, the more desirable, for they allow and demand 
that the fore-arm be held uniformly in a position of semi- 
supination, which seems to be the most desirable position. 

Neither in the records nor in this description of instruments 
are stethoscope, sphygmograph or percussion hammer in- 
cluded. These do not come under this head, but belong to 
physical diagnosis. 




COPYRIGHT tOOl 



3Y N. M CO. 



Xo. 5. 



12 



It is to be distinctly understood that the taking of these 
measurements does not do away to any extent with the neces- 
sity of a careful examination of the vital organs. 

It is desirable to keep photographic records of any unusual 
case. In this way only is it possible to illustrate graphically 
the work that is done in this department. Thus, a case of 
lateral curvature of the spine, a very marked emaciation or 
marked obesity, could be photographed before and after 
taking gymnastic treatment, much to the edification of the in- 
dividual and the satisfaction of the physical director. Lantern 
slides will enable him to show to an audience exactly what is 
being done in some of these lines. Of course the identity of 
the individual photographed must be obscured in the slides. 



13 



History, Personal and Family. 



It is quite essential that the whole matter of history 
be taken before the measurements, as it will guide the 
examiner in his later work, leading him to allow for 
manifestations of certain powers or weaknesses, special 
debility, and so on. The sum total of these little things 
constitutes the value of a j^hysical examination. 

Bibthpeace. This refers to the country or state in which 
the individual was born. At first sight this question does not 
seem important with reference to physical education. There 
are, however, several problems on which it may throw valuable 
light ; for instance, knowing the state in which one's family 
has been living for three generations, the effects of the climate 
may he evident and interesting. These data give the real, not 
the nominal nationality of the individual. Different nationali- 
ties vary markedly in their physical characteristics, and react 
somewhat differently to different kinds of exercise. One would 
not exj>ect a certain exercise to produce the same result upon 
a man of French parentage as upon a German. 

The Occupation of the Fathee befoee the Son's Bieth 
is the only indication that we have of the hereditary influence 
of different trades and professions. We are aware that it takes 
several generations to produce the best results in certain lines ;" 
glass-blowers cannot be produced in one generation, it is said 
So any physical power will be much more readily acquired 
by those whose parents were engaged in work that demanded 
similar abilities. 

Heaeth of Fathee and Mothee befoee the son's bieth. 
This gives opportunity to ascertain the influence of the im- 
mediate physical condition of the parents on the physical con- 
dition of the child. 

Fathee Died at yeaes, of . If the parents are 

neither of them living, both having died of consumption, one 
at twenty-four and the other at twenty-seven, this must be con- 
sidered in the treatment of the individual. Many illustrations of 



14 



the value of a knowledge of these facts will occur to every one 
who has had experience. The age of the parents at death may 
give us an indication of family tendencies towards some special 
disease at a certain age. 

Number of Brothers and Sisters Living — Number Dead — 
Cause of Death. This may seem entirely foreign to the in- 
dividual, and one might naturally argue that what his brother 
is doing now did not affect him at all. This would be true, 
but it is not to the point. For the causes that affect his brother 
at the present time, if they are due to hereditary influences, may 
affect him in the same way. The following illustration from 
actual life shows the importance of this : A young man, the 
only survivor of six children — the other five, together with the 
mother, having died of consumption— has been able, by careful 
and systematic physical training, to gain a fine physique with 
a good amount of vitality. If this young man had gone into 
the gymnasium and been put through the exercises ordinarily 
given, he would no doubt have found himself following the 
rest of the family ; but, by means of the knowledge gained 
by his physical trainer of the hereditary tendencies of the 
family, the above results were accomplished. 

Diseases in Family. This refers to hereditary diseases. A 
single instance of any given disease would not indicate that the 
disease was hereditary. But several instances among one's 
relatives would render it probable that the disease was here- 
ditary, and, if possible, exercises should be given designed to 
combat it. 

Early Life, City or Country. In the previous questions 
nothing is said of the town in which the individual was born. 
This question endeavors primarily to secure record of his con- 
ditions and surroundings in early life. Many of the most dif- 
ficult problems in connection with physical education to-day 
are those growing out of the altered conditions of life, depend- 
ing upon the removal of such a large portion of the population 
from the country to the city. 

Exercise (past) Work. This refers, under the two headings, 
Physical and Mental, to the kind and quantity of work upon 
which the individual in question has depended for his liveli- 
hood during and since boyhood, and should answer the question : 
"What various kinds of mental and bodily occupation have 
you been engaged in during and since boyhood ?" 

The kind and quantity of work to which the individual has 



16 

been accustomed will account to a wit large extent for his 
present physical condition. In general, the boy that has been 
doing work that involved considerable muscular expenditure 
will be found to have a markedly different physique from the 
boy that has done little but go to school. 

Exercise (past) Recreation. This should answer the ques- 
tions : "In what form have you been accustomed to take your 
recreation?" "Have you ever engaged in athletic or acro- 
batic work ?" If the individual has indulged to any consider- 
able extent in any of the forms of recreation mentioned in the 
blank, a check mark should be made under the proper sub- 
head. 

Mental Recreation. If he has done a large amount of 
chess playing, checker playing, music, and the reading of light 
literature, this might be indicated. 

Surgical Operations, Strains, Accidents, Injury. 
Often examination is made of men that have suffered a 
severe sprain or accident or have been injured in a way 
that might disqualify them for some kinds of exercise, 
but that they would fail to speak of unless questioned. 
Especial note should be made of any such cases under 
the heads of Special History, Accidents, Surgical Oper- 
ations, etc. 

Health and Disease (past). Inquiry should be 
made of the member whether he was vigorous and robust 
as a boy. If he had any of the diseases mentioned in 
the blank, indicate the same by check across the name of 
the disease. Ascertain whether the recovery was com- 
plete or not, and anything else bearing upon the subject, 
and if anything especial is discovered enter it under the 
head of Remarks. Often the key to what would other- 
wise be unsolved can be discovered here. 

This is the best opportunity to find out about the 
vigor of the individual. For no matter what the apparent 
present physical condition is, the man that has been 
vigorous all through his boyhood will be able to take up 



16 



exercise that would be out of the question for one that 
was delicate as a boy. The consequences of any of 
these diseases that the individual may have had must 
needs be borne in mind in the prescription of exercise. 
JFor instance, rheumatism in a child often leaves a certain 
heart disease. 

Color of Eyes. Light, dark, or mixed. This gives indica- 
tions as to temperament. 

Color of Hair. Record whether it is light, dark, or red. 

Temperament. Here should be recorded the judgment of 
the examiner in regard to the temperament of the individual. 
This is an indefinite or intangible thing, and the definitions 
ordinarily given seem unsatisfactory. It will, however, be 
perfectly simple to mark those that are of a distinctively nerv- 
ous temperament and those that are phlegmatic. This distinc- 
tion will be. valuable. 

Vision and Hearing. Every one needs to know that his eyes 
.are in good condition. Many are obliged to do work that in- 
volves good eyesight, and many suffer without knowing that 
the cause of their suffering is some trouble with the eyes. 
It is possible in a few moments to form a judgment in regard to 
the condition of the eyes, whether it is normal or not, and to 
record it. If they are not normal, the subject should be sent 
to the oculist. 

Business Hours Daily. This refers to the number of hours 
that the individual spends at his work. Often this will deter- 
mine the amount that he will be able to do in the gymnasium. 

Hours in the Open Air. Record the total number of hours, 
'whether in work, play, or travel. 

Hours of Sleep. This refers to the time spent in sleep and 
not simply resting in bed. For instance, 10 P. M. to 6 A. M. 

Tobacco. If the subject uses tobacco at all, record it, with 
the quantity used. Let capital S stand for cigar, small c for 
cigarette, and W for chew, so that an individual record reading 
YS would mean that he smoked on the average 7 cigars a day. 
This is an important question with reference to physical train- 
ing, as no man who is using tobacco can expect to do the best 
work physically. Careful comparison of the present records 
would probably enable us to answer questions along this line 
much more definitely than can now be done. 



17 

Stimulants. The kind and quantity of stimulants used by 
the subject, and also whether they are taken solely in con- 
nection with meals or not. If the latter draw a small circle 
in the left hand corner of the space. Tea and coffee come 
under the general head of stimulants. The men that have tho 
best control over themselves seem to be those that take no 
stimulants whatever. 

Married. It will sometimes be noted that married 
men do not respond to exercise as they should. It may 
be that the physical director can give them needed infor- 
mation. 

Occupation. This refers to what the individual is do- 
ing for a living. Important knowledge may thus be 
gained, affecting his work in the gymnasium; for if his 
business demands any physical work of excellence, care 
must be taken that the gymnasium exercise prescribed 
for him does not draw too heavily on the faculties that 
are taxed by his daily occupation. 

Exercise, work. This refers particularly to the physi- 
cal work demanded^ by his occupation, and is necessary 
for the same reason. 

Exercise, recreation. Here record any exercise the 
individual is taking as recreative. Note what it is and 
the daily amount, for it is perfectly evident that a man 
who is doing vigorous physical work all the time outside 
the gymnasium will not need the same kind nor the same 
amount that he would if this were not the case. 

Health. This refers to the examiner's opinion of the 
man, and not to the man's opinion of himself. Of course, 
the examiner must take into consideration, and must 
be governed largely by what is said. In general, it will 
not be difficult to find out whether the subject has been 
suffering from any constitutional disease and whether he 
is constitutionally robust or delicate. 



18 

Remarks. Under this head may be placed any points 
about the subject that are not already fully covered. 

Prescription. After the examination, the examiner 
inakes up his mind as to the kind and quantity of exer- 
cise that should be prescribed, and records it here, using, 
however, such abbreviations as he may find advantageous. 



19 



/ Physical Measurements. 

Tile Year, Month, Day, and Hour on which the ex- 
amination is made should be noted, for the condition of 
the individual with reference to strength, weight, and 
height vary markedly in different parts of the day. For 
example, an examination taken at 11 A. M. would show a 
taller, stronger, and lighter man than the same individual 
measured at 7 P. M., particularly if he took a late dinner. 
Examinations should not be made within an hour after 
vigorous exercise. One of the reasons for this is that the 
size of the muscles is affected by exercise, which may be 
shown by the following experiment : Let the upper arm 
up be measured in any given position after a considerable 
rest or before it has been used vigorously. Then let the 
man take a dumb-bell, weighing from five to ten pounds, 
and exercise vigorously and rapidly, " curling " the dumb- 
bell and " putting it up/' and using as far as possible only 
the muscles of the upper arm. It would be better that 
he remain sitting during the experiment. Let him exer- 
cise thus for ten or fifteen minutes and then measure his 
arm again, taking pains, of course, to have the measure- 
ment taken at the same place, with the tape at the same 
degree of tension as at the first time. In this individual 
measurement there can easily be traced a difference of 
from one-half to three quarters of an inch. 

Many of the following measurements are taken just as 
recommended by the American Association for the Ad- 
vancement of Physical Education, in which cases its de- 
scriptions are copied. A number of statements as to why 
these measurements are to be taken are also copied. 
These will always be found in quotation marks. 



20 



Number. This refers to the total number of examina- 
tions that have been made in the gymnasium since this 
system was adopted. In the first book, if books are used., 
this number will correspond to the page number, but 
when the first book has been filled the numbering will 
keep right on in the second book, while the paging will 
commence over again. Thus, the last man in the first 
book will be on page 250 and he will be number 250, but 
the first man in the second book will be numbered 251, 
while he will be on page 1. 

Ticket. Kecord here whether the one examined is an 
active or associate member. 

MEASUKEMENT COLUMN. Weight should be 
taken without clothes, in pounds and tenths of pounds. 




" Height ( see cut 
No. 6) should be taken 
without shoes and with 
the head uncovered. 
The head and figure 
should be held easily 
erect and heels to- 
gether. This position is 
best secured by having 
the heels, buttocks, and 
spine between the 
shoulders and back of 
the head in contact 
with the measuring 
rod." 



Xo. 6 . 



21 



Height Sitting. (See 
cut No. 7.) Have the 
one to be measured sit 
as erect as possible upon 
a, fiat box thirteen inches 
high. To insure erectness 
have him imagine that he 
has a weight on his head 
•which he must raise as 
high as possible. Meas- 
ure from the surface on 
which he sits to the high- 
est point of the skull, as 
in the height standing. 
The height sitting gives 
the relative length of legs 
as compared to the sum 
of the body, neck, and 
depth of head. 

By subtracting the 
height sitting from the 
height standing a rough 
approximation may be 
made of the length" of 
the legs ; not exact, how- 
ever, as we do not sit on 
the beginning of our legs, 
but on a point some two 
or three inches from it. 
Measurements taken 
later give more accurate 
results in the same direc- 
tion. 

Length of T k u n k . 
{See cut No. 8.) With 
the subject in the posi- 
tion assumed for height, 
sitting as erect as possi- 
ble, measure the distance 
from the seventh cervical 
vertebra to the box on 
which he sits. It is 




So. 8. 



22 



sometimes difficult to find the spinous process of the seventh 
cervical vertebra. Direct the individual to bend his neck for- 
ward as far as possible. It will then be made more apparent 
than under ordinary conditions. From its prominent position 
it is called the vertebra prominens. The distance can be meas- 
ured either with a tape or with the height measure, but should 
always be taken white sitting. The simpler method is with the 
height measure. 

This measurement of length of trunk is one of the most 
valuable of all. By it we arrive at the only real knowledge thai 
we have of the length of the body. It is a well-known fact that 
the long marches in our late war could be better endured by 
men with long bodies than by those with shorter bodies. 
The length of the trunk, in connection with the depth and width 
of the body, enables one to form a judgment of a man's endu- 
rance and vitality. They give the size of the vital-organ box, 
and tell how much room the heart, lungs and abdominal organs 
have for their operations. In selecting men for teams in athletic 
work, where vitality and endurance are essential, it is wise to 
bear these facts in mind. Short-bodied, long-legged men are 
not generally enduring. 




BBEADTHS. Breadth 

of Neck. (See cut No. 9. ) 
' ' Taken at the narrowest 
part, with the head of the 
subject erect and the 
muscles of the neck re- 
laxed." 



No. 9. 



23 



Breadth of Should- 
ers. (See cut No. 10.) 
"With the subject stand- 
ing iu a natural position, 
elbows at the sides, 
shoulders neither drop- 
ped forward nor braced 
backward, measure the 
broadest part two inches 
below the acromion pro- 
cesses." This measure- 
ment gives the leverage 
on which the arms work. 
It is commonly noted 
that men with very nar- 
row shoulders, other 
things being equal, are 
not so strong in this part 
of the body as those with 
wide shoulders. 



Breadth of Chest — 
Contracted and Expand- 
ed. (See cuts Nos. 11 
and 12.) Take the first 
measurement after a 
complete expiration; and 
the second after a full in- 
spiration. ' ' Place one 
foot of the calipers on 
each side of the chest, 
directly across the nip- 
ples, in contact with the 
projecting part of the 
ribs." 




No. 11. 



24 




This measurement has 
usually been taken with 
the chest at "-natural," 
but many believe that 
the above method is the 
most satisfactory. This, 
with the depth of chest 
contracted and expand- 
ed, gives a knowledge as 
to whether the individual 
is most elastic in antero- 
posterior or lateral direc- 
tions. We can thus give 
breathing exercises to 
bring up the deficient 
function. 



Breadth of Waist. 

(See cut No. 13.) "Taken 
at the narrowest part." 



No. 13. 



26 



Breadth of Hips. (See 
rut No. 14.) "Measure 
the widest part over the 
trochanters, while the 
subject stands with feet 
together, and weight 
resting equally on both 
legs." 

This measuremen t 
gives the leverage of the 
body with reference to 
the hips. It is rare to 
find a man with narrow 
hips and a powerful waist. 
All work involving twist- 
ing or bending the body 
from side to side demands 
good leverage. Wrest- 
ling will be found to de- 
mand good hips. 

LENGTHS. Length 
of Shouedek to Elbow. 
(See cut No. 15.) "With 
the arm of the subject 
bent sharply at the elbow 
and held at the side, 
measure from the top of 
the acromion process to 
the olecranon. Care 
should be taken that the 
measuring rod is parallel 
with the humerus and not 
with the external surface 
of the arm." 

These measurements 
are useful not merely in 
determining growth, but 
in ascertaining the capa- 
city of the individual for 
excellence in any given 
sport. There seems to 




26 



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Ute 



No. 16. 




be a vital connection be- 
tween the length of the 
levers of the arms and 
legs and the sport that 
the individual is best 
fitted to undertake. 

Length from Elbow 
to Knuckle. (See cut 
No. 16. ) With the forearm 
held at a right angle 
with the upper arm, 
measure from the tip 
of the olecranon to the 
middle knuckle of the 
hand. A measurement 
similar to this has been 
taken from the olecranon 
to the tip of the middle 
finger. It does not seem 
that this is as valuable as 
the measurement p r o - 
posed, for the lever used 
is from the elbow to the 
hand, not from the elbow 
to the wrist. 



Length of Femur. 
(See cut No. 17.) With 
one foot on the thirteen 
inch box, measure from 
the great trochanter of 
the femur to the inferior 
border of the anterior 
surface of the patella. 



No. 17. 



Length of Tibia. (See 
cut No. 18.) Measure 
from the promiueuce just 
to the inside of the patella 
caused by the anterior 
superior border of the 
articular surface of the 
tibia, to the centre of the 
internal maleoleus. 



Length of Foot. (See 
cut No. 19.) "Take the 
extreme length of the 
foot from the end of the 
first or second toe to the 
back of the heel, about 
one inch above the sur- 
face upon which the foot 
rests." 




No. 19. 



28 







No. 21. 



DEPTHS. Depth of 
Chest — Contracted and 
Expanded. (See cut No. 
20. ) Take the first meas- 
urement after a complete 
expiration, and the sec- 
ond after a full inspira- 
tion. ' ' Place one foot of 
the calipers on the ster- 
num midway between 
the nipples, and the 
other foot on the spine 
at such a point that the 
line of measurement is 
at right angles with the 
spinal column. " ( See 
remarks under ' ' Breadth 
of Chest.") 

Depth of Abdomen. 
(See cut No. 21.) " Place 
one end of the calipers 
immediately above the 
navel, and the other on 
the spine at such a point 
on the line of measure- 
ment that it will be at 
right angles with the spi- 
nal column." 

It will usually be found 
that a person markedly 
deficient in depth of ab- 
domen has not that vig- 
orous digestive power 
that is essential to robust 
health ; a fair-sized 
rounded abdomen is 
nearly always found 
where there is first-class 
digestion. 



29 



GIRTHS. Girth of Neck. (See cut No. 22.) "With 
the head of the subject erect, pass the tape around the 
neck, half way between the head and body, or just below 
the 'Adam's Apple.'" 

This measurement gives information in two directions, 
both of which are valu- 
able : first, in regard to 
symmetry or the rela- 
tive proportion of the 
neck to the body; 
second, in regard to 
vitality or power of 
resisting untoward sur- 
roundings. The con- 
nection between the 
size of the neck and the 
}:>ower of resisting is 
not known. It is one 
of the many facts that 
can be proved, but can- 
not be explained. It 
may be that it bears 
some relation to the fact that in the neck are the vital pas- 
sages — the oesophagus, carotid arteries and the wind- 
pipe, — although what connection there is between the 
fact of these going through the neck and a man's having 
a large or small neck is rather difficult to imagine. 

Girth of Chest Coxtr acted. (See cut No. 23.) "With 
the arms of the subject held in a horizontal position 
while the tape is being adjusted and then allowed to 
hang naturally at the side, measure the girth. 

Girth of chest contracted is placed before girth ex- 
panded, thus allowing the tape to be adjusted but once 
while this and the following measurements are being taken. 




Xo. 22. 



30 



Girth of Chest Expanded. "With the arms held 
in the same position, pass the tape around the chest so 
that it shall embrace the scapulae and cover the nipples." 
In order that this measurement be taken accurately 
considerable care must be exercised. The tape should 
pass behind so as to cover the tips of the scapulae and 
then be drawn around in front. The tape must not be 
held by the arms against the sides of the chest and 
then drawn backward, as this will allow a measurement 

several inches too large. 
It is a good thing to 
have a looking-glass 
placed against the wall 
in such a position that 
the examiner while 
standing in front of the 
individual can see that 
the tape is snug be- 
hind him. This will 
save much in conven- 
ience and will add ma- 
terially to the accuracy 
of the work done. 

The design of these 
two measurements is to 
No * 23, show the mobility of 

the ribs and not primarily the amount of alteration that 
can be produced by breathing alone. It is allowable to 
have the individual contract the muscles of the chest, back, 
and abdomen, thus throwing the contents of the abdominal 
cavity towards the thorax, expanding the chest wall. It 
is alloioable in the contracted measure to raise the shoul- 
ders, thus drawing tense thepectoralis major. If these were 
the only measurements of the chest this certainly would 




31 



not be fair, but the girth 
at the ninth rib gives us 
a knowledge of the 
amount of variation 
that can be produced 
by breathing with far 
greater accuracy than 
is possible over so much 
muscular tissue. 

GlETH AT XlXTH ElB 
( GONTEACTED AND Ex- 

panded.) (See cut Xo. 
24.) The first measure- 
ment is taken after a 
complete expiration and 
the second after a full 
inspiration, with the tape 
midway between the low- 
er border of the pectoralis 
niuscle and lowest free 
rib, and adjusted at right 
angles to the spinal col- 
umn. 

Girth of Waist. 
(See cut No. 25.) " The 
waist should be meas- 
ured at the smallest 
part, after a natural 
inspiration." 

This, with the depth 
and width of the ab- 
domen, gives us a pretty 
accurate knowledge of 
the room that a man 
has for his digestive 
apparatus. 




No. 25 



32 




Gieth of Hips. (See 
cut No. 26.) " The sub- 
ject stands erect with 
feet together. Pass the 
tape around the hips, 
over the pubes, the tro- 
chanters, and the gluteal 
muscles." 

In connection with the 
breadth of the hips this 
gives data for estimating 
the relative development 
of the gluteal muscles. 

Gieth of Weist. (See 
cut No. 27.) "With the 
hands of the subject open 
and the muscles of the 
forearm relaxed, measure 
between the styloid pro- 
cess and the hand." 

This is one of the meas- 
urements that has seemed 
to many almost worthless. 
In its relation, however, 
to the size of the forearm 
it is of considerable value, 
for evidently one's fore- 
arm should be in propor- 
tion to one's own wrist 
and not to that of some 
one else. Referring for a 
moment to a personal 
experience, for a long 
time I endeavored to in- 
crease the size of my 
forearm, because it was 
below the average. But 
I learned that my forearm 
was already symmetrical 
with relation to my own 



33 



wrist, which is small, and that further development would only 
have made it non-symmetrical. 

Girth of Forearm. (See cut No. 28.) "The tape 
should be passed around the largest part. The fingers 
should be clinched and the palm of the hand be turned 
upward." 

It will often be no- 
ticed that long conti- 
nued training and a 
large increase in the 
strength of the fore- 
arm may not be fol- 
lowed by any apparent 
increase in the girth of 
these muscles them- 
selves. This will fre- 
quently be due to the 
fact that the increased 
pow r er here is often se- 
cured by the apparent 
lengthening of the 
bellies of the muscles. ______ _____ 

No. 28. 

largest part of the fore-arm is near the elbow and from, 
that point it rapidly diminishes in size towards the 
wrist, later on, after development, a point three and a 
half inches from the elbow will be as large as the 
former measurement, while the former measurement may 
not have increased at all. 




34 




Girth of Elbow. (See 
cut No. 29.) " Taken 
around the internal con- 
dyle of the humerus 
while the arm of the 
subject is straight, with 
the muscles of the fore- 
arm relaxed." 



Ko 30. 



Girth of Upper 
Arm Down. (See cut 
No. 30.) "The arm of 
the subject should be 
held in a horizontal 
position, and measured 
around the most prom- 
inent part." 

This measurement, 
together with the girth 
of the upper arm up, 
has often been taken 
with the arm by the 
side, when, by pres- 
sure against the side, 
the measurements can 



35 



be increased from half an inch to an inch. But the 
method suggested above gives a record as nearly as pos- 
sible uniform and exact, rather than one secured by 
squeezing the muscle. 

Another frequent mistake is to take this measure- 
ment with the muscles vigorously contracted, as is done 
in the case of the forearm and of the upper arm up. And 
there seems to be no reason for doing so in these two 
latter cases, except to satisfy the curiosity of the young- 
man who is being measured.. 



Girth of Upper 
Arm Up. (See cut No. 
31.) "With the arm 
of the subject bent 
hard at the elbow, 
contracting the biceps, 
and held away from 
the body in a horizon- 
tal position, pass the 
tape around the great- 
est prominence." Let 
the palm be held 
towards the shoulder. 




Xo. 31. 



30 




Gikth of Thigh. 
(See cuts Nos. 32 and 
33.) "With the feet of 
the subject about six 
inches apart, the 
muscles set just enough 
to sustain the equili- 
brium of the body, and 
the weight distributed 
equally on each leg, 
measure around the 
thigh just below the 
nates." 

The director should 
take notice that the 
weight rests equally on 
both feet, as by shift- 
ing the weight from 
one foot to the other 
the measurements 
would be much larger 
than they should be. 
It is well at this point 
for the subject to take 
his stand on the thir- 
teen-inch box. This 
makes the measure- 
ment of the thigh, 
knee, calf, etc., more 
easy than it otherwise 
would be. c 



No. 33. 



Girth of Knee. (Sec 
cut No. 34.) With the 
knee of the subject 
straight and the weight 
of the body equally sup- 
ported on both legs, 
measure from the center 
of the patella. 

Why should joints be 
measured ? For the sake 
of determining sym- 
metry and of giving an 
estimate of the size of 
the bones. Of two legs 
of equal girth, the one 
with the smaller bone 
will have the more mus- 
cle. Another object of 
joint measurement is to 
give us some knowledge 
of the leverage afforded 
at that joint. The 
smaller the joint the 
poorer will be the lev- 
erage. 

Girth of Calf. 
(See cut No. 35.) 
" With the heels down 
and the weight of the 
body distributed 
equally on both feet, 
the tape should be 
passed around the 
largest part of the 
calf." 

This measure ment 
should not be taken, 
as many have taken it, 




:no. 35. 



38 




with the foot and leg 
to be measured placed 
jn a chair ; this alters 
the measurement. 



Gikth of Ankle. (See 
cut No. 36.) Should be 
fcaken at the smallest 
place. 



Girth of Instep. (See 
cut No. 37.) "Measure 
arouud the iustep at 
right angles with the top 
of the foot, passing a 
point at the top of the 
foot midway between the 
end of the great toe and 
the back of the heel." 
It is interesting to notice 
the relative proportions 
of this measurement in 
different classes of ath- 
letes. 



No. 37. 



39 



TESTS. HeabtBatr 
(See cut No. 38.) The 
rate of the heart should 
be ascertained before and 
immediately after the 
strength tests ; accord- 
ingly, two spaces are 
given it. Sometimes it 
will be rapid before the 
tests and not more so 
afterwards. The early 
rapidity in such a case 
would probably be due 
to nervousness- When 
the heart does not beat 
as rapidly after the sec- 
ond examination as it 
did after the first, an in- 
crease in the strength of 
the organ is indicated. 
A weak heart beats fast 
readily ; a strong one 
does not. 

Cardiac murmurs will 
sometimes be heard-after 
the strength tests that 
are, not heard before, 
particularly just below 
the left clavicle. This 
does not necessarily in- 
dicate heart disease, as 
these murmurs may be 
produced in many per- 
fectly well-ordered 
hearts by vigorous mus- 
cular exercise for a few 
moments. 

LiUNG Capacity. (See 
cut No. 39.) "After in- 
flating the lungs to their 
utmost capacity, blow 




No. 39. 



40 

slowly into the spirometer. Three trials may be allowed. 
Record the greatest one." This also is to be taken both be- 
fore and after the strength tests. The nearer the individual is. 
to perfect condition for running, rowing, etc., the nearer equal 
these two tests will be. A marked difference between them 
would indicate that the heart and lungs required further 
training. 

Stkength Tests show the apparent muscular strength of 
the individual. The word ' ' apparent" is used intentionally. It 
is a well-known fact that two individuals of equal muscular 
force, as far as can be judged, will not necessarily manifest 
this equality in strength tests. One may be able to far sur- 
pass the other. We say of this man that he has more "nerve " 
or " grit " or '• sand." He tries harder than the other, although 
the other man tries as hard as he can. He has the capacity for 
stimulating his muscles more than the other. Thus he will 
be able to accomplish much more in the matter of strength 
tests than the other individual who has equal strength of 
muscle. To vary the illustration, two individuals might be on 
record as having the same muscular strength, as indicated by 
these tests ; while in reality one is a slight, nervous man, .and 
the other is quite fully developed, but of a phlegmatic, quiet 
nature. At first sight it would seem that this factor destroyed 
the value of the strength tests. This, however, is not the case, 
for there are several things that indicate to which of these two 
classes the individual belongs. A glance at his measurements, 
his weight among others, will show at once his general construc- 
tion ; that is, whether slight or robust. His temperament also 
gives a clue, and the size of the muscles is another valuable 
indication. By these means one can tell approximately whether 
a man's strength tests are due primarily to his ability to enforce 
- vigorous contraction from small muscles, or whether he has 
in reality a strong muscular system. 

Another indication given by the strength tests is concerning* 
the endurance of the individual, as they should be taken one 
following the other, giving a few seconds only after each test 
in which to ''catch the breath," but not enough to rest in. 



41 



Strength of Forearm. 
(See cut No. 40.) "The 

subject while holding 
the dynamometer so that 
the dial turns inward, 
should squeeze the 
spring as hard as pos- 
sible." 

The hand holding the 
dynamometer should be 
held free from the body 
and not be resting upon 
anything during the 
pressure. With the dial 
turned toward the palm, 
the fingers will not inter- 
fere with the record. 



Strength of Chest. 
(See cut No. 41.) Grasp 
the grip dynamometer 
with the hands, so that 
the palms shall be to- 
wards each other, and 
push them together with 
the greatest force possi- 
ble. This test and the 
next may be used when 
the weakness of the in- 
dividual does not allow 
the use of the dip and 
pull up. 




2So. 41. 



42 




Strength of Upper 
Back. (See cut No. 42.) 
With the hands in a sim- 
ilar position and pulling 
in opposite directions, 
pull as hard as possible. 



Strength of Back. 
(See cut No. 43.) "The 
subject standing upon 
the iron foot-rest, with 
the dynamometer so ar- 
ranged that, when grasp- 
ing the handles with both 
hands, his body will be 
inclined forward at an 
angle of sixty degrees, 
should take a full breath, 
and, without bending the 
knees, give one hard lift, 
mostly with the back." 



No. 43. 



43 



Strength of Legs. 
(See cut No. 44.) ''The 
subject while standing on 
the foot-rest, with the 
body and head erect and 
chest thrown forward, 
should sink dowD, by 
bending the knees, until 
the handle grasped rests 
against the thighs ; then 
taking a full breath, he 
should lift hard, princi- 
pally with the legs, using 
the hands to hold the 
handle in place." 



Dip. (See cuts Nos. 
45 and 46.) "The sub- 
ject while holding a 
position of rest upon 
a pair of parallel bars, 
supporting his weight 
with his arms straight, 
should let the body 
clown until the chin is 
level with the bars, 
and then push it up 
again until the arms 
are firmly extended. 




44 




Note the number of 
times that he can lift 
himself in this man- 
ner." Some will be 
inclined to favor them- 
selves in doing the 
dip, in not letting- 
their bodies down, but 
only coming partly 
down and immediately 
pushing up again. 
This, of course, sjiould 
not be allowed. 



No. 47. 



Pull Up. (See cuts 
Nos. 47 and 48.) "The 
subject should grasp 
a pair of parallel bars 
or rings, and hang 
with his feet clear 
from the floor while 
the arms are extended. 
Note the number of 
times that he can haul 
his body up until his 
chin touches the bar 
or the ring." 



A tendency will be 
found with those that 
desire to make as good 
a record as possible 
on the pull up not to 
let themselves down 
fully each time. This 
should be g u a r d e d 
against. 




No. 48. 

MUSCLES. Coxsistexcy. The letters in the blank 
stand respectively for Very Hard, Hard, Medium, Soft, and 
Very Soft. Cross out the word which, in the examiner's 
mind, will best describe the individual in question. Care 
should be taken to form the judgment simply upon the 
consistency, letting alone the question of size or develop- 
ment. 



These three things, consistency, development and size, 
are a sort of epitome of a man's muscular system. After 
six months' faithful work in the gymnasium a man may 
show no marked increase in any measurement, but if 
these three tests show T , as they probably will, that he has 
advanced from being "Soft "to "Medium," the success of 
work will be indicated. 



46 

Muscles. Development. The letters here stand for 
Very Good, Good, Medium, Poor, and Very Poor. They 
should be used in the same way as just indicated. Great 
care should be taken to consider development irrespec- 
tive of size. 

This matter is of considerable importance, as it is the 
only thing in the measurements that gives any idea of a 
man's capacity for development. Thus, no matter what 
a man's measurements may be, if he has already come 
pretty near the limit of development, he need not expect 
to alter them materially by exercise. Another with the 
same muscle measurements might have a very ' much 
greater capacity' for development, and thus would be able 
to show results of exercise by an increase of measure- 
ments that the first would not. This question of develop- 
ment has reference not at all to the size, but simply to the 
relation of the present size of the muscles of the individ- 
ual to the size that they are capable of assuming. Thus 
it is a well known fact that all individuals are not capable 
of having the same sized muscles. We frequently see 
men that, in spite of careful living and a generous sup- 
ply of food, sleep, and systematic exercise, are still thin 
and wiry ; while scores of others, without the attention to 
food, rest, and exercise that the first give, run up large 
measurements. Thus, two young men come into the 
gymnasium with the same measurements. One, however, 
has muscles that are about as well developed as they can 
be in that individual; while the muscles of the other are 
poorly developed, compared with what they could and 
should be. The physical director will tell the one whose 
muscles are undeveloped that he will be able to increase 
them considerably, and the other that he need not expect 



47 

to increase the size of his muscles, l>ut that he must seek 
other results from exercise, such as muscular control, 
physical judgment^ etc. 

The formation of judgment regarding this matter is- 
difficult and cannot he acquired at once. My own method 
is as follows : I let the man contract his deltoid vigor- 
ously by directing him to press upwards against my own 
hand, which is placed on his wrist, I then feel of the 
deltoid, and look at it to see if I can distinguish the 
bundles of fibres that stand out so clear and round 
when the muscle is well developed. I then have him con- 
tract the pectoralis major by pressing his hands together 
with great force in front of his body : then I direct him 
to extend a leg forcibly, thus examining his quadriceps- 
extensor. I then have him rise on his toes, while I note 
the calf. My judgment based on these particulars I indi- 
cate on the blank. The whole matter can be done almost 
at a glance if one has become familiar with the signs. It 
will often be found that the muscles of the leg are well 
developed, while those of the arm are not. A place for 
each is left in the blank. 

Muscles. Size. The letters refer to Very Large, 
Large, Medium, Small and Very Small. This is, of course,. 
a summing up of the muscle measurements given before,, 
but with the size of the bones underlying them left out. 

VITAL CAPACITY. This refers to the size of the trunk, 
and is made up from multiplying the length of the trunk by 
the average between the depth of the chest and the depth of 
the abdomen, this again being multiplied by the average be- 
tween the width of the chest and the width of the waist. This 
number does not represent the cubical size of the body, 
although it varies in a general way with it. 



48 

PENTATHLON EECOED. The Pentathlon is a test of a 
man's ability to run, jump, pole vault, and throw the hammer. 
It is scored numerically, in such a way that the record is 
absolute and does not depend on the relative position held in 
competition with others. This gives a better idea of the indi- 
vidual all round than anything else in this series of tests. The 
others refer very largely to the matter of force of the muscular 
system. This refers to the functions of the muscular and 
nervous systems, and is thus of great importance. Score 
cards can be obtained from the International Committee. 



